While the business has existed since 1975, Dr. Matthew Wheaton took over as owner in 2000. Three vets work in the hospital.

The hospital started out with only 2,000 square feet, but then moved into a 6,000-square-foot building and began adding 4,000 more in August.

Claim to fame: With over 30 years of combined experience among the three vets, Alicia Pet Care Center boasts what Wheaton calls affordable pricing for state-of-the-art care, caring hearts, the right tools, and the knowledge of how to put all that together. One example of modern care is hydrosurge bathing, a system that massages as it bathes (available for dogs only). Alicia Pet Care Center also runs a nonprofit organization that rescues dog and cats throughout California, before they go into a shelter when possible, then gives them medical attention and helps find them new homes. There are discounted prices for rescue groups. The hospital offers boarding for dogs and cats, boarded on separate sides of the hospital, with a large dog run, kitty condos, and a large play room. Owners get a big, comfortable reception area to wait in. Wheaton, the son of a veterinarian, was raised in Laguna Beach.

Did you know? Wheaton once treated a llama with heat stroke in the parking lot of the OC Fair. The llama survived.

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